Summary
LEAD Development is seeking an Executive Director to lead the planning and delivery of luxury master-planned communities and mixed-use destinations. The role oversees the development lifecycle from feasibility and design through approvals, construction, and handover, while managing budgets, investment cases, risks, and stakeholder relationships. The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary teams and work with design, hospitality, sales, and marketing partners. A relevant bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree or MBA is preferred, along with 15–20 years of real estate development experience, including at least five years in luxury or ultra-luxury development.
The posting
As published on leaddevelopment.ae. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
Job Summary
The Executive Director – Development leads the visioning, planning, and execution of high-end, communities that integrate luxury residential, amenities and mixed-use components. This executive role is responsible for overseeing all phases of the development lifecycle including Master planning and feasibility to delivery with a focus on creating exceptional lifestyle destinations that deliver commercial success and brand prestige.
1- Strategic Vision & Planning
a. Develop and execute the strategic development plan for luxury master planned communities.
b. Shape long-term value by integrating market insights, brand objectives, and customer expectations into development strategy.
c. Lead highest-and-best-use analysis for large land parcels incorporating ultra-luxury villas, branded residences, resorts, marinas, retail promenades, wellness centres, and cultural amenities…etc.
2- Design & Product Leadership
a. Collaborate with world-renowned architects, designers, and consultants to deliver iconic, design-led environments.
b. Champion product innovation across residential and to a less extend lifestyle and retail offerings.
c. Ensure cohesive placemaking, architectural excellence, and seamless integration of landscape, infrastructure, and public realm.
3- Project Management
a. Oversee end-to-end development lifecycle: feasibility, design, permitting, procurement, construction, and handover.
b. Lead internal and external multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring alignment on quality, program, and cost.
c. Monitor development progress against key milestones and proactively manage risks and variances.
4-Commercial & Financial Oversight
a. Coordinate closely with finance team to drive project pro forms, cash flow models, and investment cases.
b. Manage development budgets, ROI targets, and capital allocation.
c. Conduct scenario planning and value engineering while maintaining brand integrity and luxury standards.
5- Stakeholder Management
a. Represent the project to high-profile stakeholders including partners, landowners, regulatory authorities, hotel operators, and UHNWI buyers.
b. Navigate complex regulatory environments to secure planning, building, and infra related approvals.
c. Support joint ventures and partnerships where applicable.
6- Sales & Brand Integration
a. Partner with marketing and sales teams to position the community as a luxury destination.
b. Influence pricing strategy, sales phasing, and go-to-market timing.
c. Embed hospitality and service excellence into the end user experience.
7- Leadership & Team Building
a. Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of development managers and specialists
b. Build internal capabilities in luxury development delivery and community lifecycle management.
c. Foster a culture of creativity, performance, and accountability.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s in Architecture, Engineering, Real Estate, or Urban Planning; MBA or Master’s preferred.
- 15–20 years’ experience in real estate development, with at least 5 in luxury or ultra-luxury developments.
- Proven delivery of luxury master planned products and/or communities.
- Familiarity with international design consultants, luxury hospitality brands, and high-net-worth customer segments.
Key Competencies
- Visionary leadership with a refined design and luxury sensibility.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen.
- Deep knowledge of urban planning, design guidelines, and placemaking.
- Expert in stakeholder and partner management, especially with premium brands and operators.
- Agile decision-maker with global outlook and local execution ability
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
The duties and responsibilities described above are not comprehensive and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time, or the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.